Monogram 1/24 '70 Chevy Malibu (Matrix)

This is the kit I got from a friend of mine. It was incomplete (no wheels, no engine, various other parts missing) and it was painted a horrid shade of gold with a spray can. I planned to add the remaining parts to my parts junkyard but some of my friends insisted on finishing the model.

I didn't really want to do it, so I figured an extraordinary paint scheme would motivate me to finish it.

The wheels are from Fujimi. Every single sign/digit of the code was cut out and masked by hand. Hope you like the outcome. :)

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd407/ridefast916/Matrix/Matrix1.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd407/ridefast916/Matrix/Matrix2.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd407/ridefast916/Matrix/Matrix3.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd407/ridefast916/Matrix/Matrix4.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd407/ridefast916/Matrix/Matrix5.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd407/ridefast916/Matrix/Matrix6.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd407/ridefast916/Matrix/Matrix7.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd407/ridefast916/Matrix/Matrix8.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd407/ridefast916/Matrix/Matrix9.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd407/ridefast916/Matrix/Matrix10.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd407/ridefast916/Matrix/Matrix11.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd407/ridefast916/Matrix/Matrix12.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd407/ridefast916/Matrix/Matrix13.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd407/ridefast916/Matrix/Matrix14.jpg

Thank you for your visit :)

That's an awesome idea and realization!

Wow! That is crazy! Every digit cut out and masked? How long did that take? Very cool idea!

:D Roughly 40 hours of cutting out the code. Then masking, silver paint, shading with green and it's ready.

What you see is a second attempt. I wasn't satisfied with the first one as the code digits were too big. This is the new revised version with smaller print :D

Thank you for your comments :)

Very unique and very well done, all those hours were worth it.

Amazing paint scheme. Typically the kind of work that's still far beyond my patience!
Congrats on the clean & original finish.

Brilliant. I dip my hat to your commitment and patience. Well worth the effort. A great idea well executed.

That looks fantastic. Really incredible paintwork

:sunglasse nice paintjob

Nice idea.Congrats.

As I was asked a couple of times... a short 'HOW TO'.

1. You need a sharp image of the Matrix Code, so download Matrix Code screensaver (like this one: http://download.cnet.com/Matrix-Code-Emulator-Screensaver/3000-2257_4-10257503.html)

2. install and run it. Wait till the screen is almost completely filled with the code and press 'Print Screen' key. Now you have copied the screen to your computer's memory. Of course there are ready images of Matrix code on the web but they just don't seem to be clear enough. You need sharp code edges to make your job easier.

3. paste the image to a new document in Corel PhotoPaint or Adobe Photoshop etc. Convert it to grayscale and invert the image (i.e. the code becomes black on white background). Choose the part of the image completely filled with the code, copy, create new image and resize (make as small as you want)

4. now print your image on a regular A4 size (letter size) paper. You can check if it meets your expectations, etc. Cover the image with wide masking tape and put ANOTHER strip of masking tape on top of it. Now print again. This way you create the printed mask on the top layer.

5. remove the top layer, put it on you cutting mat and start cutting. It is going to take a while :D

6. paint you model black, put the mask on, spray silver, shade it with transparent green follow it with green pearl and remove the mask. Cover with clear coat, polish, wax. Job done.

This is probably one of the cheapest methods used for creating masks from anything on your computer screen. Hope it helps :)

Marek

I love the movie Matrix. What an idea. Great job!

This is absolutely amazing. May be the best paint job I have ever seen. Brilliant idea and flawless execution - I would have never had the patience to do that. The how-to is still very helpful - I'll save it for something less time consuming. :)

Simply incredible !! :eek7: I can't believe everything is painted... :sly: :runaround:
I thought it was a joke when you said the matrix code is all masked and painted :rofl: :biggrin:
I don't really like the proeminent bumper, but this is a pure art work and a great model !! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

That's... stunning! That scheme looks GREAT on a car! I really love how it came out, you really went for it and it worked out great! Awesome!

Fantastic idea and very well done, your model is unique :eek:

Simply incredible !! :eek7: I can't believe everything is painted... :sly: :runaround:
I thought it was a joke when you said the matrix code is all masked and painted

It really is painted but I am surprised there are no aftermarket decals with the matrix code. They would make a nice addition to eg. SMS tuner series.

On the other hand I haven't seen the real car/bike/boat/plane (choose your subject :D ) painted like this so maybe it isn't that obvious after all.